Understanding Lens Mirror Coatings: Mercury vs REVO vs Full-Surface REVO
Choosing the right mirror coating is crucial for both aesthetics and performance in sports sunglasses. At Wooly, a leading sports eyewear manufacturer, we offer three main types of lens mirror coatings: Mercury Mirror, REVO Coating, and Full-Surface REVO Coating. This guide will help you understand their differences, advantages, and best-use scenarios — helping you build a product line your customers will love.
🔍 Mirror Coating Overview
| Feature | Mercury Mirror | REVO Mirror | Full-Surface REVO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Silver metallic | Color-mirrored (blue, red, green, etc.) | Full coverage, seamless color mirror |
| Functionality | High reflectivity, stylish | UV protection, glare reduction, color filtering | Uniform glare reduction & full UV protection |
| Color Distortion | Minimal | Slight tint depending on REVO color | More consistent across the entire lens |
| Coating Area | Central | ~80% of lens | 100% edge-to-edge |
| Cost | Low | Medium | High |
| Best For | Fashion-forward or entry-level sports | Outdoor performance | Premium or pro-level sports eyewear |
🧪 What’s the Technical Difference?
Mercury Mirror Coating uses metallic film (such as aluminum) to create a bright silver mirror effect. It reflects light effectively but does not modify color tone significantly.
REVO Mirror Coating is made by layering nano-scale oxide compounds (e.g., titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide) to reflect specific wavelengths of light. This adds color and enhances contrast depending on the coating hue.
Full-Surface REVO extends REVO coating to the entire lens, offering superior visual consistency and full-coverage protection — ideal for premium or professional-grade sunglasses.
🎯 Recommended Lens Base + Coating Combinations
Each mirror coating performs best when paired with the right lens base color and usage scenario. Here's a quick reference guide:
| Lens Base Color | Mirror Coating | Recommended Use | Example Mirror Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grey | Mercury / REVO / Full REVO | All-around, especially bright sun | Silver, Ice Blue |
| Brown / Copper | REVO / Full REVO | Trail running, golf, contrast enhancement | Red, Orange, Fire REVO |
| Green / G15 | REVO | Natural color balance, water sports | Green REVO |
| Yellow / Amber | REVO | Low-light conditions, cycling | Gold REVO |
| Photochromic | Full REVO (with UV activation) | Dynamic light environments | Ice Blue or Light Green |
🏞️ Which Mirror Coating Should You Choose?
| Use Case | Recommended Coating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Urban & Lifestyle Sunglasses | Mercury Mirror | Sleek silver finish, low cost |
| Outdoor Sports (running, hiking) | REVO Mirror | Glare reduction, vivid colors |
| Water or Snow Environments | Full-Surface REVO | Max UV protection, full lens reflection |
| Premium Product Line | Full-Surface REVO | Seamless aesthetics and functionality |
✅ Final Thoughts
Whether you're launching an entry-level sports sunglasses line or developing a high-end technical product, choosing the right mirror coating can make a significant impact. At Wooly, we support custom coatings, base lenses, and premium treatments including anti-fog, oleophobic, and hydrophobic layers.
📩 Interested in Custom Mirror Coatings for Your Brand?
Contact Wooly today for OEM & ODM manufacturing solutions. We help you build eyewear that stands out — functionally and visually.